Video
PADDOCK PASS: The drivers react to a thrilling debut qualifying session at Portimao
Share
The Formula 1 drivers relished the challenge of their first ever qualifying session at the Algarve International Circuit, the uncertainties thrown up by a new racetrack and difficult conditions making for a thrilling qualifying hour ahead of Sunday's Portuguese Grand Prix.
Despite those uncertainties, the result on Saturday had a familiar look to it, with Lewis Hamilton claiming his 97th pole position from team mate Valtteri Bottas – who’d looked the stronger of the two Mercedes drivers leading up to qualifying – and the Red Bull of Max Verstappen.
READ MORE: Hamilton beats Bottas to Portuguese GP pole with final charging run at Portimao
Charles Leclerc was behind that trio, putting in an excellent performance to take his second consecutive P4 grid slot – with that performance thrown into even greater relief by the travails of team mate Sebastian Vettel, who could only take P15.
Check out all the reaction from the drivers in the video up top – or for a podcast version of our post-qualifying Paddock Pass episode, head over to Spotify.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Video HIGHLIGHTS: Catch up on the FP1 action in Spa as Verstappen goes fastest while Ocon has early end to session
News ‘It felt completely different’ – Hamilton rues change in performance for Mercedes after ‘pretty bad day’ at Spa
News Ocon explains what convinced him to join Haas as he reflects on how partnership with Bearman can ‘pull the team forward’
News Alpine confirm Bruno Famin to leave his role as Team Principal
![Coming Up](https://media.formula1.com/image/upload/t_16by9North/f_auto/q_auto/v1721924229/trackside-images/2024/F1_Grand_Prix_of_Belgium___Previews/2163648208.jpg)